Does magnetic phone holder damage your phone? Here’s the answer

Gone are the days of bulky clamps or cradles; magnetic phone holders have become the norm in the phone accessory market. With their sleek look and minimal design, magnetic phone holders have trumped bulky accessories to deliver a convenient experience. They are particularly popular among content creators and car owners, and now, more and more people are getting one to keep their phone in place.

As these magnetic phone holders gain popularity among smartphone users, a lingering question remains in the minds of many: Does a magnetic phone holder damage your phone? The short answer is no, because most magnetic phone holders are safe for modern smartphones. Here’s a look at how magnetic phone holders work and why you shouldn’t worry about them damaging your phone

Magnetic phone holder: How does it work

Our smartphones have become so technologically advanced that phone makers are also rethinking how they connect to peripherals and accessories. For example, Apple added an array of magnets to the back of the iPhone for wireless power transfer and connection to snap-on accessories. As magnets become part of phone design, magnetic phone holders, which typically use neodymium magnets, are also becoming commonplace.

They use neodymium magnets because they are powerful enough to securely hold your phone in place, whether that’s a desk mount, a tripod rig, or a car dashboard. These magnets are either embedded in the phone holder or used with a thin magnetic plate that attaches to the back of your phone. In some cases, these plates can also slip inside a case to provide a secure fit.

ALSO READ: Qi2 brings MagSafe’s best feature to non-Apple wireless chargers

The addition of MagSafe to iPhone in 2020, Apple showed that magnets are not only safe but can be a smart addition when done right. Today, the accessories market for iPhone is filled with MagSafe-compatible gadgets that enhance how iPhone users carry their devices or connect them to other peripherals.

Magnetic phone holder: Risks you need to know

A common concern among smartphone users is whether magnetic phone holders will wipe their data. While this myth is rooted in older tech, where traditional hard drives in computers used magnetic platters to store data, and large magnets could theoretically affect them. However, smartphones rely on solid-state storage (or flash memory) and are not susceptible to magnetic interference. In a nutshell, a magnetic phone holder won’t erase your photos, contacts, or messages.

However, they have some risks which users must keep in mind. The biggest risk of using a magnetic phone holder is that it interferes with wireless charging. To mitigate the risk, Apple’s MagSafe works best only with certified accessories. If you are using a third-party accessory, make sure that the magnets do not block or misalign the wireless charging coil.

ALSO READ: Best MagSafe power banks for your iPhone

Magnets can also affect the functionality of your phone’s compass, and in some smartphones, they might affect optical image stabilisation (OIS), which relies on electromagnets to stabilise the lens.

For a safe and reliable experience, we recommend using magnetic phone holders from reputable brands and looking for clear guidelines on how to use them. If you have an iPhone with MagSafe (iPhone 12 or newer), choose a MagSafe-certified phone holder, and it is highly recommended that you keep magnets away from sensitive medical devices like pacemakers.

A magnetic phone holder is a sleek and convenient way to stay hands-free, whether you’re driving, vlogging, or using it on your desk, and they are safe to use. So, snap your phone in place using a magnetic phone holder while being mindful of where and how you place the magnets.